I'm at my happiest when I'm in natural surroundings - the woods, the oceanside or just sitting underneath my favorite tree in the backyard. I love observing the birds, animals and plants around me. They bring me peace and joy. Using wire and metal I make jewelry that reflects that peace and joy I experience. Being able to share my work with others who also love nature, animals and the beauty of this world has only increased my joy.
I find such satisfaction in taking a simple, blank, square of sheet metal or wire and transforming it into something recognizable, aesthetically pleasing and wearable. I work with wire and metal because of the amazing depth and texture that can be achieved by using metal working, wire wrapping and wire weaving techniques. I've always loved natural stones and their addition to my work adds the color or sparkle that really makes the design come to life.
The end product may be, as a customer described, “deceptively simple,” perhaps fashioned solely from copper or silver wire. However, that piece usually involved many hours of work – shaping wire to the right form, hammering it for durability and beauty and wrapping each coil with precision and care. I value handcrafting my own components and charms and prefer to connect parts using wire wrapping or other cold connections instead of jump rings or machine-made elements. All of this work lends to an artisan design that will withstand everyday wear and be treasured for years to come. It also makes each piece truly one of a kind and unique.
I am a self-taught jewelry artist but I take classes and workshops to learn new skills and improve on current techniques. I sell my work in multiple juried art shows and festivals during the year, at different retail locations, and online in my Etsy shop. I am a member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and the South Jersey Cultural Alliance.